No Man's Sky Adrift Update: Explore Derelict Freighters
Hello Games has shadow-dropped another massive, free update for its ever-expanding sci-fi universe, No Man's Sky. Titled "Adrift," this latest expedition plunges players into an alternate reality devoid of all other lifeforms, introducing new dangers, eerie exploration opportunities, and a powerful sense of isolation. The highlight of the update is a feature players have long hoped for: the ability to discover and explore massive, ghostly freighter wrecks found drifting in the silent void of space.
The Adrift update, available now across all platforms, is a paradigm shift from the game's bustling, populated galaxies. This is No Man's Sky as a true survival experience, where self-reliance is not just a strategy—it's the only option.
A Universe Without NPCs
The core premise of the Adrift expedition is both simple and terrifying: you are utterly alone. Players starting this new adventure will find themselves in a universe without the familiar hustle and bustle of space stations, trading posts, or alien settlements. There are no shops to buy supplies from, no NPCs to trade with, and no quest-givers to guide your path.
This fundamental change forces a complete re-evaluation of how to survive. Every resource must be gathered, every piece of technology crafted, and every decision weighed carefully. The silence of space is heavier than ever, punctuated only by the hum of your ship and the crackle of your Exosuit, making for a uniquely tense and atmospheric journey.
Breaching the Wrecks: Derelicts in Deep Space
For years, Travellers have been able to explore the wreckage of crashed freighters on planetary surfaces, but the Adrift update takes this concept into the final frontier. Now, players can encounter colossal, derelict capital ships silently drifting through star systems.
These new space wrecks are procedurally generated dungeons floating in zero gravity. To explore them, you must:
- Breach the Hull: Find a way inside the shattered husk of the ghost ship.
- Navigate Treacherous Ruins: Float through darkened, debris-filled corridors and cavernous cargo bays.
- Brave New Dangers: The wrecks are not entirely abandoned. Players will encounter rogue security systems and otherworldly horrors that have made these graveyards their home.
- Salvage Valuable Rewards: Those brave enough to delve into the depths of these wrecks can find valuable salvage, rare components, and unique narrative logs that piece together the final moments of the doomed crew.
This new gameplay loop adds a thrilling, high-stakes exploration element that perfectly complements the expedition's lonely, haunted atmosphere.
New Rewards for the Lone Survivor
Surviving the desolate Adrift galaxy comes with its own set of exclusive rewards. As players complete the expedition's milestones, they will unlock a collection of unique cosmetic and functional items that can be transferred to their main save file.
Key rewards include:
- The Iron Vulture: A stunning new starship, this rugged, salvaged-style Hauler looks right at home in a post-apocalyptic universe.
- Gnawing Scuttler Companion: Tame and adopt a unique companion that appears to be a hybrid of rock and alien biology.
- Star-Sail Wreckage: A cosmetic cape fashioned from the tattered remains of a solar sail.
- Ghostly Frigate: Add this ethereal, phantom-like vessel to your freighter fleet.
- Ship of the Damned: A haunting decorative base part to commemorate your journey through the void.
These rewards serve as badges of honor for those who can endure and conquer the challenges of a universe without allies.
How to Start the Adrift Expedition
Getting started is simple. The Adrift expedition is a separate game mode, available to all players for free.
- From the main menu, select "New Game."
- Choose the "Community Expedition" option on the game mode select screen.
- A new save file will be created, and your journey into the empty galaxy will begin.
The expedition is a limited-time event, expected to run for approximately seven weeks, giving players plenty of time to explore this new reality and earn its exclusive rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the No Man's Sky Adrift update?Adrift is the 13th community expedition for No Man's Sky. It is a free update that places players in an alternate universe with no NPCs or shops, focusing on a pure survival and exploration experience. Its main new feature is the addition of explorable derelict freighters in space.
Is the Adrift update free?Yes, like all previous No Man's Sky updates and expeditions, Adrift is completely free for everyone who owns the game.
How long will the Adrift expedition be available?Community expeditions are limited-time events. The Adrift expedition is scheduled to last for about seven weeks from its launch in late May 2024.
Can I use my main save file for the expedition?No, expeditions require you to start a new game from a fresh save. However, all the exclusive cosmetic and item rewards you unlock during the expedition can be redeemed on your main save file via the Space Anomaly.